The drama City Hall attracted a great deal of attention before it had even started airing on TV. It was produced by drama writer Kim Eun Sook and producer Shin Woo Chul, who were behind the incredibly popular dramas, “Lovers in Paris” and “On Air”, and who are considered to be a drama dream team. The drama is set in a fictional city called called Inju City, where a woman who had one of the lowest ranks in the civil service, is suddenly elected to be the city’s mayor. Shin Mi Rae (played by actress Kim Sun Ah) and a crafty high-ranking official named Jo Guk (played by actor Cha Seung Won) come together in this romantic black comedy set in a political organization. The drama revealed the lives of the people in Korea’s political organizations, especially the everyday dramas that take place in the regional cities. The drama has a realistic style, and viewers got caught up in the romances, intrigues, and scandals of Inju’s City Hall.

Shin Mi Rae is the lowest ranking public servant working in Inju City Hall. Her main job is to serve coffee to the high-ranking public officials. She seems to be rather ordinary and has nothing special to brag about. She doesn’t have an outstanding academic ability, financial means, or a well-connected family to help her stand out from the crowd. One day, however, she takes part in a beauty contest, in the hope of winning the cash prize, and gets fired from the City Hall for having “damaged the reputation of a civil servant.” To everyone’s surprise, however, she returns to the City Hall elected as the new mayor of Inju. Her ordinary image moved the hearts of the town’s citizens, and with the help of the powerful Jo Guk, she wins the election. After she is elected, she begins to reform the bureaucratic culture of the City Hall administration and becomes a truly great mayor who is genuinely working for her people.

Shin Mi Rae is a civil servant who’s been working at a very low post for the last seven years. Known for her great coffee, she falls in love with Jo Guk, the new deputy mayor. Mi Rae has a great deal of credit card debt, so she enters a beauty pageant to win the first prize of 20,000,000 won (approximately 20,000 dollars). But when the prize money ends up in the mayor’s pocket, Mi Rae holds a one-person demonstration in front of city hall. After a series of ups and downs, Mi Rae gets her prize money, but has no choice but to resign from her job. When the situation is leaked to the press, the mayor resigns as well. The job of mayor is up for grabs and Mi Rae becomes nominated as a mayoral candidate with the support of her followers and Jo Guk, the deputy mayor. Will Mi Rae rewrite history as the youngest female mayor ever? What is Jo Guk’s real intention in helping make Mi Rae mayor?

Aged almost forty, she ends up taking part in a beauty contest in the hope of winning the cash prize to solve her financial problems. To many people’s surprise, she is elected as the mayor of Inju to replace the mayor that she had a role in bringing down. She knows nothing about politics and has no political background to lean on, but she fights her way to victory and due to her genuine nature wins the hearts of the people. She establishes her own solutions and policies by seeking to serve the people’s real interests and their needs. Unlike a typical politician, she actually executes what she believes in and despite numerous mistakes and tearful episodes, she becomes a mayor who is respected by everyone.

Jo Guk is the kind of politician who does not hesitate to use his people to accomplish his own purposes. He is a cold-hearted, cool-headed character who believes that with enough power and cash, he can make anyone a mayor, a congressman, or even a president. His ambition is to become the president of Korea one day, but he runs up against this woman who challenges his beliefs. Shin Mi Rae was elected only to be a puppet mayor for his political ambition, but she begins do have her own thoughts and do real work for the people. Jo Guk decides to remove her but finds that this is difficult to do, as she will not be swayed by political power or cash bribes.

Min Joo Hwa has worked hard to be the perfect woman and the envy of others. She is a typical glamorous female character with a pretty face and a good figure, but behind all her glamour, she hides a great political ambition. Originally she wanted to be the Hillary Clinton of Korea, but she realized that her husband had no chance of becoming president, so with her good looks and large quantities of cash, she decides to get into politics herself. One day, Shin Mi Rae , who she regarded as such a trivial person, returns to the City Hall as mayor. To add salt to the wound, Min Joo Hwa’s husband, who up until now didn’t have the slightest interest in politics, emerges as a strong sponsor of Shin.

He got married because of his wife’s glamorous looks and the irresistible temptation of her money. However, the marriage does not go too smoothly and they end up living separately. One day, he resigns from City Hall due to his involvement in the beauty contest, which Shin took part in. Despite her low ranking position, Shin was the only person he confided in. When Shin is elected mayor, he returns to the City Hall and becomes a vice mayor working as her right hand. His wife is unhappy about the situation, but nevertheless he tries to be a protective umbrella for Shin, so that she can live up to the beliefs for the people.

NOTE: Not really accurate. >.<

MI-RAE's CIRCLE

• Park Joo Ha as Yoo Gwon Ja (64)

Mi Rae's mother

Has been selling Baendaengi (a type of herring fish) at the Inju Central Market for 30 years. She spent her whole life being jealous about everything in the world and scolding Mi Rae from the moment she opens her eyes till she falls asleep. Although she scolds Mi Rae for wandering around and not making a good living for herself, she knows very well that Mi Rae resembles her. She is a very stubborn lady who stands firm to her opinions. Both her and Mi Rae are unbeatable. If she can't win an argument against her daughter, she would much rather spend all her energy up and end her life. However, she starts to feel very uneasy about Mi Rae after she becomes the Mayor. Acting like a graceful Mayor's mother is very… difficult.

• Jung Soo Young as Jung Boo Mi (36)

Mi Rae's friend

She is a low-ranking public servant (9th grade), Mi Rae's classmate and a tough mother of three children. She is blunt and cold towards people, but she has a deep mind. Although she has a close relationship with Mi Rae, she is strongly against lending money to her. Instead, she has contributed to Mi Rae's long unemployed lifestyle by buying her food and drinks. It's also her duty to support her unemployed husband along with her three children. What comes out of her mouth is profanity and dissatisfaction about her sucky life, but aside from that, she is a very hard working person!

• xxx as Village Chief (59)

Cheonkang Village Chief

His real name is Kim Chun Bong. He is the Head of Inju Village Council. Being re-appointed as a village chief officer, he is quite a conceited man who thinks no one else is good enough to be a village chief except him. However, his real dream is becoming a county chief officer. During his earlier days, all of his friends had become city councilors except for him. He believes being a county chief officer will at least boost up his reputation. But Mi Rae, who he always thought was easygoing, is quite tough to persuade. Having worked very hard to make a good impression to Mi Rae, he naturally becomes the county chief officer.

JO GUK's CIRCLE

• Choi Il Hwa as Big Brother / BB (64)

Former Speaker of the National Assembly

He is Jo Guk's mentor. He is the key player who helped the current President become the President of Korea. He thought he would become the prime minister, but he placed second instead. At the President's Inaugural ceremony, he announced his retirement as a politician. Currently, he is known by the press as just an ordinary man who enjoys going on hikes. However, he is secretly planning something for the next presidency term, which makes him a cruel politician. He has full trust in Jo Guk, but also keeps a distance because of Jo Guk's greed. There are rumors that he is Jo Guk's father.

• Lee Joon Hyuk as Ha Soo In (28)

Jo Guk's Secretary

You can never tell what’s on his mind. He is smart, quick-witted and somewhat sensitive. He assists Jo Guk full time and never shows his personal feelings to anyone. Although he is Jo Guk's trusted right-hand man, he occasionally keeps in contact with BB, privately giving out information about Jo Guk. He doesn't hide nor reveal his real identity to Jo Guk. He supports Jo Guk, while playing the spy role for BB.

• Cha Hwa Yun as Jo Yong Hee (59)

Jo Guk's Mother

Her trademarks are her dark make-up, red nail polish and high heels. She is usually full of nerves and her pale appearance makes her look as if she'll slit her wrist anytime. To hide her past of selling water, Jo Guk opened up a flower shop for her. She suffers from depression and becomes vicious. Jo Guk is the son of the man who ruined her life. Even though the man told her to get an abortion, she never did. Her well off son is gradually becoming more like his father, which makes her scared…

• Kim Jin Sung as Jo Rang (9)

Jo Guk's adopted son

He is Jo Guk's adopted son. He is very mature for his age. He likes his dad, although he rarely spends time with him. He also likes his grandma, although she doesn't like him back. He likes to smile and follow his dad around the neighborhood. He doesn't smile just to make a good impression on his dad. He smiles because he's happy to spend time with his dad while holding his hand.

• Yoon Se Ah as Go Go Hae (27)

Jo Guk's fiancée

She is Jo Guk's fiancée and the daughter of a well-known business tycoon. She's elegant and carries herself with grace and dignity. She met Jo Guk and got engaged to him through political reasons, yet she would fall in love in the same way. She has never doubted Jo Guk's ability of becoming Korea's best politician. She dreams of becoming the First Lady.

• Choi Sang Hoon as Soh Yoo Han (60)

Governor of Mooyang Province*(*Province that governs Inju City)

He is a man full of ambition. He's one of the few people that are against BB's return to the political circle. He's a very greedy man that would do anything to take away something from someone to make it his own. To achieve his goals, he keeps Jo Guk by his side. But after finding out Jo Guk is part of BB's side, he tries to put Jo Guk in danger.

JOO-HWA's CIRCLE

• Yum Dong Hun as Go Boo Shil (55)

Incumbent re-elected Mayor of Inju City

Whatever situation he is in, he remains calm. He is very thick-skinned and would do anything to sneak out of danger. He's easily influenced by what others say and has no thoughts. He backstabs Shin Mi-Rae and tries to put her in danger, but ends up withdrawing from his Mayor position.

• Park Tae Kyung as Boo Jung Han (52)

Third-time re-elected Congressman

He's an opportunist that is precise and accurate in everything he does. He dislikes people who are unreliable and whiny.

• Kwon Da Hyun as Bong Sun Hwa (25)

Joo Hwa's high school junior

She placed 2nd at the Ms. Baendaengi Beauty Pageant. She is very immature and full of jealousy.

*the last 2-3 minutes of the Final Episode was edited out - they ended the show after the 5 years ago flashback. the entire wedding pictorial montage and Mi Rae on Jo Guk's Presidential campaign were both edited out. >.<

James Reston: All politics are based on the indifference of the majority.

Franklin P. Adams: Elections are won by men and women chiefly because most people vote against somebody rather than for somebody.

Ortega: Currently, we live in an age of hyper-democracy, about which our generation should be concerned.

Dante: The hottest places in hell are reserved for those, who in times of great moral crises, maintain their neutrality.

Anonymous: An abstention is not a neutrality, but a tacit agreement.

• Yoo Kwan Soo

- often referred to as the "Joan of Arc" of Korea, she's considered the role model of patriotism. She was 15 years old when she saw her parents murdered and was herself imprisoned for the crime of sewing small Korean flags during the Japanese colonial occupation. She did not give in despite the torture, she died calling out "Mansae" (Long live (Korea)!) in the prison at the age of 17. She would spread the word about the Movement during the day, and make the flag during the night.

• Shin Saim Dang

- a prominent 16th-century female writer and calligraphist. She is also known as the ”wise mother,” as she is the mother of Yi I, a famous Confucian scholar from the Joseon Dynasty. She is the first woman to appear on a South Korean banknote, the 50,000 won note.

• Mother Teresa

- a Roman Catholic nun who was internationally famed as a humanitarian and advocate for the poor and helpless

• Florence Nightingale

- an English nurse, writer and statistician. She came to prominence during the Crimean War for her pioneering work in nursing, and was dubbed "The Lady with the Lamp" after her habit of making rounds at night to tend injured soldiers.

• One swallow does not make a spring

- . A "swallow" is a bird, which makes its appearance during spring. The expression "one swallow does not make a summer" is usually used as a sort of warning. You are telling an individual not to become too happy about something; you are advising him to err on the side of caution. You are asking the individual not to get too excited just because a couple of good things have happened; there is still a long way to go yet. Originated from Aesop's fable. [

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I have to say, City Hall is pretty darn good - really, really good. We just finished Ep 13 (almost caught up!). Initially, I thought the story line would be about a predictable story about a young woman who rises from nothing to become mayor of a city, but really, that’s just the backdrop.

The story is really a love story between a simple woman who tries to be everything to everyone and guy who knows he cannot be everything to everyone, and how these two individuals are literally heading into a hurricane of a drama series ending they cannot avoid - the woman is approaching the storm with courage despite her fears, unable to see what is about to come (but can feel something will happen), and the man approaches the storm with sadness and uncertainty, seeing everything and all the angles but cannot help himself because of what he feels, and doesn’t even know what he will do in the end.

The woman (KSA fighting!) Shin Mirae, is a simple individual with not much education or political experience, but she is a good person with firm convictions, integrity and common sense. She is also a cutie with a heart as large as the ocean, and depth of emotion enough to fill the ocean’s basin.

The man (Cha Seung Won) is a revelation for his acting performance, waaaay better than I expected. He is the rising star in Korean national politics, with an unbeatable pedigree, the most powerful connections, top ranks in school, and with the ruthlessness and cunning to survive, and a beautiful, elegant, rich and politically-connected fiance. He is the complete package. His initial exile to Mirae’s city has him crossing paths with Shin Mirae, and they are then forever connected. What he sees in Shin Mirae is a beautiful but naive fairy tale, and the hurricane that will soon envelop both of them will very likely force him to make a choice between the fairy tale and his lifelong dream of marching toward the Korean presidency and occupancy in the Blue House.

This is a love story, and like all good love stories, it gnaws at your bones, and you itch when you can’t watch the next episode. Granted, the first 3 episodes are someone clumsy and a little to riotous for my taste, but it is just set up, so don’t despair if you don’t like it much. City Hall gets better, quickly, and a lot, and stays that way.

by: Bonz

posted at: koreandrama.org

"The BEST drama I’ve seen for a while! One that makes you smile fondly, laugh hysterically, sob uncontrollably, pull your hair in frustration, gasp in surprise, wait impatiently, hope fervently, .. All these & more…"

What is great with CH is not just the characters of SMR, or JG, or GuMi, or Boo-Mi, JLG and his on-going love for his "spoiled" wife. It's also their relationships and the supporting roles of Soo-In, the righteous Chairman, Gwon Ja and BB learning to be a supportive parent, Hae Ra's knot, JG's mother blossoming in the flower shop, Rang having a loving dad, Bureau Directors on SMR's side, Secretary Park's funny faces, or Councilor Park. It's got to do with the music, the lyrics, the laughs, the tears, the translations. It's all got to do with dreaming. From drama to dream, you just have to change one letter. After watching the show, we feel at peace, simply happy. That's why it is so addictive: we miss and need it, despite some emotional roller-coaster.

A beautiful & fulfilling ending to an amazing drama! The scriptwriter surprised us all even on the last episode is such an amazing way. Im addicted to KSA& CSW. Best on screen couple I ever saw in any K-drama.

What a great ending. What a great story. This is an epic story. I blinked away tears, I laughed through tears and I cheered through tears. They finally got it right. Easily the best drama of 2009 in my view, and one of the best dramas I've ever seen.

This is one of the best written, directed and acted dramas I've seen and will definitely be on my favorites list. The chemistry between the two leads is off the hook. It was definitely a drama that took you on a number of emotional roller coasters. One minute you were crying and the next you were laughing hysterically. The drama showed you how each character evolved.

I love this drama ... I found a nice story as well .. I admire a lot of Kim Sun Ah is very charismatic .. .. whenever I see makes me laugh with their occurrences ... also think that was a great chemistry with CSW in CITY HALL. .. to a nice couple

Unlike other dramas, OST for City Hall will only be released after 8 Episodes. Reason: City Hall OST will be part of their Musical Director Noh Young Shim's Piano Concert on May 20-21st 2009 at the LG Arts Center [

]. The main theme "Kurae Nareul Midja" was released earlier though - May 11th 2009 in Digital Music. A additional Bonus Track, "Saranghago Saranghamnida" was released sometime in June and as Digital Music only.

Moon River - the romantic music used on the "Proposal Scene" on Episode 20 was also used on the drama "Lovers in Paris" (Episode 2, Episode ?) and "On Air" (Episode ?); a trademark of Scriptwriter Eun Sook and PD Woo Chul?

•

Unusual ending: The drama ends with Epilogues and Prologues intertwined with each other. It started with the usual 1 year later; however it was followed by 5 more years later, afterwards we were brought back 8 years ago, then somewhere in between present time and before 5 years later, and lastly back to 5 years later. Whew!

•

When Boo Mi asked her husband, Han Ryang, "Why are you spending your weekends with other women" on Episode 18, it was because actor Lee Sang Hoon is on "Brilliant Legacy" too, a weekend drama airing at the time City Hall was airing as well. It's the writer's wit and sense of humor.

Korean fans, from DC Inside City Hall Gallery wrote their own version of 멜로 포기 각서 (Surrender of Body Memorandum). Writer Kim Eun Sook saw it and printed them out and she made Kim Sun Ah and Cha Seung Won sign it.

•

The famous City Hall dialogue "Negayo? Yegayo?" was used by Kim Sun Ah on her Max Beer CF (after City Hall was aired) [

On Episode 7 Mi Rae told Jo Guk that her ex-boyfriend looks like Hyun Bin and told her that she is really cute and he wants to put her on his pocket - a dialogue derived from Hyun Bin's lines as Hyun Jin Hun on his and Sun Ah's all-time hit drama My Name Is Kim Sam Soon - an inside joke and definitely a treat among Kim Sun Ah, My Name Is Kim Sam Soon and SunBin fans. Kim Sun Ah even delivered the dialogue with an indirect re-enactment of her famous "Samsoon pose"

•

Mayor Shin Mi-Rae's Mayoral Inauguration was held June 3rd 2009.

•

Yoon Ki Won appeared on cameo on Episode 7 as "Hyun Bin" - Mi Rae's ex-boyfriend.

Since Mi Rae is still the mayor 6 years later, it means she was re-elected twice.

•

The cheer "Jo Moo Yong" on Epsiode 20 and Episode 14 is an acronym of the name of Jo Guk's fan's club:

조

국과 민족의

무

궁한

영

광을 위하여

Jo

Guk kwa Minjookeui

Mu

gunghan

Yong

kwangeul wilhayeo (Boundless glory for Jo Guk and the people)

•

The Designer Handbag, 명품백 (myeongpoombaek), was first mentioned by Jo Guk on Episode 5. By Jo Guk again on the early part of Episode 12. By Mi Rae on the later part of Episode 12. And was eventually seen on Episode 20.

SURRENDER OF BODY MEMORANDUM

Episode 18

손 - 공적인 경우만 제한적 허용. 허나 소유주 외엔 3초 이상 절대 불허.

Hands - Can be used in public for limited purposes only. Except for the rightful owner, not allowed to be in contact

with people for more than 3 seconds.

발 - 소유주 허락 없이 반경 1M 이상 이탈 불허. 혹시나 소유권 이전을 목적으로.

Feet – Without the approval of the rightful owner, should not stray more than one meter away from the rightful owner.

딴 놈한테 가는데 사용시, 전 재산을 다 털어 평생 복수하겠음.

If they go to someone else, all assets will be seized and forfeited for life.

발꼬락 - 악취로 인한 소유권 포기

Toes - Give up one's possession due to foul smelling toes.

심장 - 소유주 외에는 어떤 놈에게도 콩닥콩닥 불허.

Heart - Except for the rightful owner, for other guys, the heart should not beat fast.

눈 - 소유주를 제외한 그 어떤 것을 보더라도 반드시 째려 볼 것을 적극권장.

Eyes – except for the rightful owner, glaring at whatever the eyes see is highly recommended.

귀 - 소유주의 말씀 외에는 그 어떤 말도 ‘멍멍’ ‘왈왈’로 들을 것을 적극장려.

Ears – Other than the voice of the rightful owner, must treat other sounds as barks from a dog.

입술 - 밥 먹고 말하는 용도 외에 다른 용도로 썼을 시, 법정 최고형에 처함!!

Lips - if used for purposes other than eating and speaking, will be dealt with the harshest punishment in court!

뇌 - 뇌구조 중 50%는 조국님 없으면 죽어 버리겠다는 생각, 40%는 전직 부시장님 없인 못 살겠다는 생각,

Brain – The structure of the brain shall be as follows: 50% shall contain the thought that without Jo Guk, I shall die, 40% shall contain the thought that without the former Deputy Mayor, I cannot live,

9%는 조국 참모님 아니면 살 이유가 없다는 생각,

9% shall contain the thought that without campaign adviser Jo Guk, I have no reason to live,

인주시의 앞날 걱정 2%!

Worrying about Inju City's future - 2 %!

그 외 각종 장기들 - 그 어떤 상황에서도 매매 절대불허. 아무리 돈이 없어도 이건 안 되는 거야 킹콩! 음?

Other than stated above, the rest of the organs should never be traded regardless of the circumstances.

(Politics is) Fighting against other political parties. It's something disgusting and scary. Regularly playing dirty tricks. It has no sincerity and is full of lies. After a little bit of sincerity, it's back to backstabbing. It's a place where honesty is jeered. In conclusion, it's dirtier than Madam Jung's skirt! However, the politics that I want is improving the lives of the people sincerely. That's all.

--- Shin Mi Rae, Episode 8

•

Politics is not about stepping on the person closest to you to get to the top, politics is about protecting the people you love.

When they sat in the cab - another one of those silent scenes, KSA and CSW did amazing there - I thought my heart stopped for a beat when JG released MR. Sorta like saying, "If I keep you beside me, you will get hurt. So to protect you, I need to let you go. Forgive me." And where his finger strokes her hand, it's like saying, "I know we are both going to get hurt but I just can't stay away from you. Please don't push me away." I'm SO glad MR did not withdraw her hand out of sorrow - I think that would have killed me already.

For updates, feel free to post and I will update the first page if deemed necessary.

♥ Please follow all forums rules (read post #4).

♥ Thanks to huangsy for starting this thread and to xosandy for making the take-over possible.

Also thanks to seuyipellabel for being generous in giving their post#4 and post#5 respectively; to rubbie for being patient with my requests; to mzpakipot for allowing me to use her post #6 space; and to janie-hunnie for helping me back read.

Coming to this thread is like attending a party very late. You found out about the invitation way after everybody else, and when you do enter the house, you find many guests there. You start to count them but the number is quite huge, and you wonder how you'll be able to get to know at least some of them. They have talked a lot, gotten to know each other and the atmosphere is great. Their welcome felt heartwarming and they do their best to keep you "inside" the circle as more stories are shared about the inviting host. You want to catch up but sometimes, you kind of don't dare saying things, which may have already been tackled before. It feels kind of awkward and after a while, you just stand there silently in your little corner. Listening, smiling, nodding, laughing. And it's alright. Because no matter what, you are an Inju Citizen and you were invited to the best party ever. You shall never forget about that experience, that might carry on in your heart and soul for days, months or years to come.

Renowned pianist and music director Noh Young Shim, known for her work on Bad Couple and Alone in Love, does her magic again on The City Hall OST. The soundtrack comes with 20 tracks including the main theme Kurae, Nareul Midja (Track 2) by Jung In, "Uncertain Love" (Track 3) by Clazziquai's Horan, and Lim Jae Wook's "This Love" (Track 7).

The OSTs are breathtaking, heart-tugging and extremely evocative music beautifully interpreted by the various artists/singers tasked to sing – the haunting rendition of Booranhan Sarang (Uncertain Love) by Horan, I Sarang (This Love) by Lim Hae Wook and Loving, Loving You by Park Sang Woo; the lively and bouncy tune of One Dream and Smile by Seo Moon Tak and everyone’s favorite Okay, I Believe in Myself by Bizzy. And of course, who would not remember the melodic Moon River, beautifully interpreted by Emi Fujita, lovingly providing the romantic atmosphere for the proposal scene. These songs completed the ambiance and the mood of each scene.

is our bestfriend in times of trouble. If you're looking for something, having technical issues, lost, etc, why not try googling first? It may not give you the results you need at once, but it's definitely worth a try. And eventually once you get used to searching, you'll be able to find 80-90% of what you're looking for in no time.

•

Looking for something inside soompi? Try the search function on the top of the page. Or try entering this on your google search field:

I just want to reiterate some rules that we tend to forget as a reminder to everyone.

• Do not hotlink pictures... I'm begging you... please... use photobucket or imageshack.

•

If you're posting something ie; news, please don't forget to credit your sources and as much as possible include the exact link of your sources.

•

If you are going to post in a language other than English, please provide translations. If you come across a news article not in English, feel free to post the exact link of the article, then perhaps someone else can translate or explain it.

•

Do not quote pictures.

•

Please use the spoiler tags especially during discussions while the drama is still airing.

•

Please read the first page before asking questions. I'll try my best to update this thread regularly. Most of the information you might be looking for will be already on the first page.